Charleston, South Carolina. According to Travel + Leisure magazine, “Charleston is a remarkably dynamic place, so it’s no surprise that it has achieved its highest ranking ever in our survey as the year's best city in the world.”

It’s the first time a U.S. city has received the top honor, but Charleston ranked No. 2 in 2015 and has been ranked the No. 1 city in the U.S. and Canada for four years running. As scored by Travel + Leisure readers, Charleston received its top-ranked status based on six categories: sights/landmarks, culture/arts, restaurants/food, people/friendliness, shopping and value.

Here are some of the top reasons why families move to Charleston, SC.

Lower cost of living

People don’t think of Baltimore as being an expensive city, but it is. No, it’s not as expensive as some of its Northeast rivals, D.C., Philly, New York or Boston, but relative to most of the country, it ain’t cheap. The move to Charleston enabled us to buy the nicest home we’d ever lived in for meaningfully less money. (I must disclaim, however, that as Charleston’s status as a world-class city becomes more well-known, the flood of new residents has closed the gap between Charm City and my hometown, but those from D.C., New York, Boston or Southern California would still find it a bargain.)

Slower pace of life

Yes, Southern hospitality is a real thing, as Travel + Leisure found, with eight of its top 12 best U.S. cities located in the Southeast or Southwest. But Charleston and the surrounding area is also marked by the lesser-known and still elusive “Lowcountry lifestyle.” It’s better felt than explained, but this outsider notes a more deliberate (not “slower”) pace of life with a heightened appreciation for the natural beauty of the region and an emphasis on relationships. Busyness is more a sign of misplaced priorities than a badge of honor here, while a turning tide or spontaneous happy hour are entirely responsible reasons to reschedule a conference call.

The Reason We’ll Stay In Charleston:

In short, it has exceeded our high expectations. Yes, the well-preserved Colonial downtown with an outsized cultural scene nestled among three rivers, countless tidal creeks and several vibrant beach communities is likely what puts it on the world’s map. But the place is far outshined by its people—a confluence of those who exhibit Lowcountry ideals and those in search of just such substance.

Marcel Proust said, “The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”

Millennials don't just flock to cities with the most avocado toast or best WiFi. Access to great jobs, easy transportation, fun things to do are far more important.

A city has to have an identity, be marketed just as well as a pair of shoes and make potential new residents want to wear that brand everywhere they go. Your city should inspire people as much as a YETI cooler.

I've never met a person that just owns a YETI. It's a lifestyle. They have to put stickers on their Jeep that tell other people that they really, really enjoy cold and/or hot beverages. If you bring an average beverage holder they look at you like you're from 1917.

A generation ago, the Bay Area, Austin, Seattle, Charlotte, and a few others grew rapidly.

What locations will attract this new generation? Charleston, SC makes the list of four cities that are making specific moves to attract Millennials:

3. Charleston, South Carolina

Millennials are flocking to this coastal and culturally-rich metro. "Charleston's Millennial population grew by 48 percent (2000-2016) making it one of the top Millennial magnets in the nation (outpacing the U.S. at 11 percent growth)," wrote Claire Gibbons, director of global marketing and communications at the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, in an email.

This Southern community is consistently ranked one of the best cities in the world thanks to its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, thriving creative culture, and cluster of James Beard-worthy restaurants.

Charleston's rapidly growing tech scene--250-plus tech companies--is adding jobs that offer the opportunity to do cutting-edge work all while balancing surfing lunches, bringing your dog to work, and more. To match Millennials to the 22,000 new jobs the region expects over the next two years, Charleston launched Charleston Open Source to build national awareness and plug people into local jobs.

Condé Nast Traveler readers cast hundreds of thousands of votes for their favorite cities in the U.S. in the 2017 Readers' Choice Awards survey. This roundup features the country's smaller metropolises, with populations under one million. And First on the list of the top 15 is...

1/15: Charleston, South Carolina

With its beautiful gardens, vibrantly painted Georgian houses along Rainbow Row, and carriages clacking across cobblestone streets, Charleston remains one of the country’s most charming cities. Underneath its sleepy veneer, the city is known for its dynamic food scene—where destination dining reflects its English, French, and West African roots—along with a thriving theater scene, bustling King Street, and historic City Market. Come evening, stroll along The Battery and take it all in.

October has arrived! Besides the great weather that fall brings, the season also brings a lot of fun fall activities along with it. Here are 10 things to do in Charleston this October.

1. Boone Hall Fright Nights

In the spirit of Halloween, a visit to Boone Hall is a must. That is, if you love haunted houses and being scared out of your mind! During October Boone Hall is transformed into a spooky haunted mansion. They have four different attractions, including a super creepy hayride. On top of the Fright Nights, they also have a killer maze and pumpkin patch open during the day.

2. Legare Farms Pumpkin Patch

This may be a little basic, but it is the epitome of a fall fun. Legare Farms is one of the oldest working farms in the nation, established in 1725. On top of having an extremely popular pumpkin patch, they also have a series of mazes that are super fun as well. What are you waiting for? Go pick some pumpkins, take them home to decorate and sip your pumpkin spice latte while watching "Halloweentown" on Disney. Fall perfection.

3. Fall Carriage Ride

Charleston is known for their horse-drawn carriage rides. Yes, it is a major tourist attraction, but sometimes it's nice to be a tourist in your own town. Taking a carriage ride this month is a nice and easy way to really enjoy the changes of the season -- the colors of the leaves and the nice fall breeze.

4. Ghost Tours

Ghost tours are also pretty popular among tourists visiting Charleston, but it's oh-so-Halloween and super informative! It's a great way to learn about the many legends haunting the Holy City. There are many different tours to choose from with different themes. One of the most popular ghost tours in Charleston is the Haunted Jail Tour. It was built in 1802, and it's amazing that most of its structures remain the same! It is known to be one of the creepiest of the many ghost tours.

5. Boneyard Beach

Boneyard Beach, or Bull Island Ferry, is a cool place to visit in general. Not only that, but the atmosphere of this beach in the fall is quite enchanting. It's the perfect place for a fall stroll and you are guaranteed to take some great photos. It's one and a half miles of cedar and oak trees stuck in the shore of the beach, and bleached by the sun. There is also no sign of civilization from the shoreline, which makes for an eerie experience.

6. Camping at James Island County Park

Fall, in my opinion, is the best season for camping. James Island County Park is a fantastic place to camp if you aren't looking to drive outside of the low country. They have kayak, paddle boat and bike rentals, as well as several scenic trails for walking, running and biking. They also have a dog park and a disc golf course. Did I mention they have wall climbing? James Island County Park is home to South Carolina's tallest outdoor climbing wall.

7. Kudu Coffee Dates

Kudu Coffee on Vanderhorst Road in downtown Charleston is known for its quaint and cozy atmosphere. It's a great place to get a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate on a chilly or rainy fall day. They also host live music on the weekends, and the pastries are to die for. Plus, they have cute outdoor seating for the warmer days. It might be fall, but it is still Charleston.

8. Citadel Football Games

Fall wouldn't be fall without college football! The Citadel's Johnson Hagood football stadium is situated conveniently in downtown Charleston.

9. Greek Fall Festival

Festivals are always a must. The Greek festival is a tradition in Charleston that brings great food, music and culture to the city. There is always something for everyone at the Greek festival.

10. Murder Mystery Cruise

Who doesn't enjoy playing dress up every once in awhile? Departing from the City Marina, this unique cruise transforms into a 1920s themed speakeasy. It's very much like a big game of "Clue." Dinner is included. Food is always a plus!

Abberly West Ashley is located just off I526 and HWY 17 and our enviable location provides great access to all major thoroughfares, local services, and attractions including: Charleston International Airport, Boeing, Tanger Outlets, Citadel Mall, colleges and universities, beaches, and Historic Downtown Charleston. Abberly West Ashley offers you a remarkable and modern living experience. Each apartment home includes a washer and dryer, energy efficient appliances, unique open floor plans, and screened outdoor living space. As a resident, you will also have exclusive access to the 24-hour cardio and strengthening studio, business technology lounge, billiards room, and social hot spot with flat screen TVs for your viewing and entertainment pleasure!

You can choose from a number of innovatively designed floor plans in our prestigious community. Our spacious apartments in Charleston, SC are the perfect choice. Surrounded by delightful landscapes and things to do, you will find an apartment to reflect your lifestyle.

At Abberly West Ashley we have apartments designed for your lifestyle. In addition to the community we offer, our location is premier because of its quick access to downtown Charleston and major highways.

For more information on making Abberly West Ashley your home, contact us.